The Practice of Diaconal Ministry

The practice of being an Anglican Deacon involves an understanding of Christian Ministry in its ancient and current expressions. Deacons as ordained ministers are called to focus the ministry of the whole community as this relates to the service and care of those in need. The role of deacons is to express the world to the church and the church to the world. The course will discuss the variety of ministries, social justice and the church, the liturgical role of deacons, the leadership and prophetic role of deacons in the parish/congregation, and the future growth of the diaconate. The relevance of this course to other denominations is based on the baptismal requirement of pursuing justice in the world. While the course is called "Practice", the course will also involve the theory and theology of the diaconate. Lectures, readings, discussions, written papers.